Choir competition
Woldingham School, Surrey, welcomed seven prep school choirs, including over 200 children, last month (October) to its Junior Choir Festival.
Woldingham’s music teachers took the pupils through a carousel of musical sessions
to develop voice, rhythm and performance skills. The children were enthusiastic participants, bubbling through water in unison, humming as though at a Formula 1 race and responding to each other through clapping. Each school was supported by some of Woldingham’s music scholars.
The event culminated in a performance to parents, schools and Woldingham’s teachers. After performing their individual pieces, the choirs came together to sing a beautiful rendition of O Taste and See by Vaughan Williams.
Adjudicator Ian Belsey, who
has spent over forty years in show business and is one of the
world’s leading performers in light opera, selected the Hornsby House School, London, Chamber Choir as this year’s winners.
Their performance of Coldplay’s Fix You was chosen for its beautiful tone and control.
John Hargreaves, Director of Music at Woldingham, said,
“I was amazed by the breadth and depth of musicianship displayed by the junior choirs and delighted to see so many young singers at our school. I hope that the Woldingham Junior Choir Festival provided inspiration, guidance and enjoyment to all participants.”
Sarah Cloete, Director of Music at Hornsby House, said, “The children had a wonderful musical experience at Woldingham and we were absolutely delighted to win the competition.”
Ian Belsey with the Hornsby House head girl and trophy
Acclaimed
musicians
join band
Special guest soloists, Tom Richards - saxophonist and keyboard player for Jamie Cullum - and singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe, joined the Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, Big Band for a concert in aid of The Abingdon Bridge, a charity that supports local young people who face challenging circumstances. The Band played to a capacity house at the School’s Amey Theatre.
The Big Band opened the show and was joined by Tom on the tenor saxophone. Tom, pictured,
a former student at Abingdon, enjoyed performing alongside the School’s Big Band conducted by Simon Currie, his former saxophone teacher. Singer songwriter and pianist Joe Stilgoe then took to
the stage, performing a number
of original and traditional jazz numbers. The show culminated with Joe and Tom accompanied by the Big Band and music teachers from Abingdon School playing Alright, Okay, You Win with a special guest appearance by the Headmaster, Mr Michael Windsor on the bass guitar.
Michael Stinton, Director of Music at Abingdon added, “I was so pleased that this ambitious concert came together so well. It was fantastic to have Tom Richards back to play with us after all these years. We are so proud of his achievements - he’s clearly a player of international stature these days far removed from the eleven year old who arrived with a treble voice and much promise!”
The concert raised £4500.
Word-renowned soprano opens Performing Arts Centre
stimulating environment which be ts all the Music and Drama pupils at Ling eld, wherever their talent lies. The brand new facilities, including the latest up-to-date technology, stimulate an atmosphere which encourages musicians of all genres and thespians alike to ourish.
Ling eld College, Surrey, of cially
opened the brand new Performing
Arts Centre this month (November).
The guest of honour at the
opening was the world-renowned
soprano, Susan Bullock CBE, who
captivated the audience with
‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
and Puccini’s ‘O Mio Babbino
Pictured: Mr Richard Bool, Headmaster, Susan Bullock and Sophie Brack, Director of Music
Caro’. The School’s peripatetic teacher, Tim Nail accompanied Miss Bullock on the piano. The audience was also treated to performances from the Ling eld Chamber Choir and Jazz Band.
The Performing Arts Centre is offering an industrious and
26 Music & Drama